Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
孝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
孝xiàofilial piety or obedienceHSK 7, ng, 7 strokes, radical 子, rank #18412, Very Hard
孝xiàomourning apparelHSK 7, ng, 7 strokes, radical 子, rank #18412, Very Hard
孝xiàofilial piety, obedience; mourningHSK 7, ng, 7 strokes, radical 子, rank #18412, Very Hard
xiào(xiao4) T4
  1. 1filial piety or obedience
  2. 2mourning apparel
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

孝xiào(xiao4)

The character 孝 (xiào) primarily means 'filial piety,' which is a key virtue in Chinese culture emphasizing respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and ancestors. It is often associated with mourning practices and is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, highlighting the importance of familial relationships in social harmony.

Strokes7Radical子Frequency#18412DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 孝 (xiào) is not just a virtue; it is a societal expectation that shapes family dynamics and responsibilities. During festivals like Qingming, the concept of filial piety is prominently displayed through ancestral worship.

Memory Tip

Think of the character 孝 (xiào) as a child (子) honoring their parent (老) by kneeling down. The child shows respect and obedience, which reflects the essence of filial piety. Imagine a child kneeling before their elderly parent, expressing love and gratitude, to remember the character's meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 孝

xiào(xiao4)
1filial piety or obedience
2mourning apparel
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 孝

孝Simplified
7Strokes
子Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#18412Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7

Podcast: 孝

JasonAmy

Podcast: 孝

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 孝

Quick Contrast

忠 (zhōng) - use 孝 for familial respect, while 忠 emphasizes loyalty to one's country or ruler.

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 孝 is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions of family values or traditional customs. It can also appear in phrases such as 孝顺 (xiàoshùn, to be obedient to parents) or 孝心 (xiàoxīn, filial devotion). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.

HSK Study Tips

Though not included in the official HSK vocabulary list, 孝 is relevant for learners interested in cultural nuances. Focus on its usage in phrases and try to connect it with other HSK words related to family and values, such as 家 (jiā, family) and 亲 (qīn, relative).

Common Mistakes

Learners often misinterpret 孝 as simply obedience, overlooking its deeper cultural significance. For example, saying '我很孝' (wǒ hěn xiào) without context can be vague; it's better to specify actions or feelings, such as '我尊重我的父母' (wǒ zūnzhòng wǒ de fùmǔ).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 孝

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 孝 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 孝

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Filial piety (孝) is the respect that the young (子) must have for their elders (老).

Memory Hint

A young man 子 carrying an older man 耂

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 孝

Filial piety (孝) is the respect that the young (子) must have for their elders (老).

  1. 1The giveawayA young man 子 carrying an older man 耂
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 孝? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 孝?

Decomposition of 孝

IDS Structure⿸耂子
孝Full Character
=
耂lao3
enclosing
子zi3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 孝?

How to say filial piety or obedience in Chinese

“filial piety or obedience” in Chinese is孝xiào

The character 孝 (xiào) primarily means 'filial piety,' which is a key virtue in Chinese culture emphasizing respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and ancestors. It is often associated with mourning practices and is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, highlighting the importance of familial relationships in social harmony.

When to use 孝

Be mindful that 孝 is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions of family values or traditional customs. It can also appear in phrases such as 孝顺 (xiàoshùn, to be obedient to parents) or 孝心 (xiàoxīn, filial devotion). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.

孝 or something close to it

忠 (zhōng) - use 孝 for familial respect, while 忠 emphasizes loyalty to one's country or ruler.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misinterpret 孝 as simply obedience, overlooking its deeper cultural significance. For example, saying '我很孝' (wǒ hěn xiào) without context can be vague; it's better to specify actions or feelings, such as '我尊重我的父母' (wǒ zūnzhòng wǒ de fùmǔ).

Write 孝

孝

Practice writing 孝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 孝

孝 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

此刻我需要的是一份____心。

Right now I'm in need of a little filial affection.

Example Sentences for 孝 (37)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
ngfilial piety or obedience25
1
此刻我需要的是一份孝心。

cǐ kè wǒ xū yào de shì yī fèn xiào xīn。

Right now I'm in need of a little filial affection.
2
他把母亲接到城里同住，以尽孝道。

Tā bǎ mǔqīn jiē dào chéng lǐ tóng zhù, yǐ jìn xiàodào.

He brought his mother to live with him in the city to fulfill his filial duties.
3
孝顺不仅是给予金钱上的支持，更是陪伴和关心。

Xiàoshùn bùjǐn shì jǐyǔ jīnqián shàng de zhīchí, gèng shì péibàn hé guānxīn.

Filial piety is not only about providing financial support, but also about companionship and care.
4
在中国文化中，孝是一种重要的家庭美德，强调尊敬和关爱父母。

Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, xiào shì yī zhǒng zhòngyào de jiātíng měidé, qiángdiào zūnjìng hé guānxīn fùmǔ.

In Chinese culture, filial piety is an important family virtue, emphasizing respect and care for parents.
5
他辞去了高薪工作，只为更好地照顾年迈的父母，表现出深厚的孝心。

Tā cíqù le gāoxīn gōngzuò, zhǐ wèi gèng hǎo de zhàogù niánmài de fùmǔ, biǎoxiàn chū shēnhòu de xiàoxīn.

He quit his high-paying job just to better care for his elderly parents, showing profound filial piety.
6
在节假日期间，他总是回家和父母共度时光，以体现他的孝道。

Zài jiéjiàrì qījiān, tā zǒng shì huí jiā hé fùmǔ gòng dù shíguāng, yǐ tǐxiàn tā de xiàodào.

During holidays, he always goes home to spend time with his parents, reflecting his sense of filial duty.
7
为了尽孝，他每月都会寄钱给住在乡下的父母，还经常打电话问候。

Wèile jìn xiào, tā měi yuè dūhuì jì qián gěi zhù zài xiāngxià de fùmǔ, hái jīngcháng dǎ diànhuà wènhòu.

To fulfill his filial duty, he sends money to his parents living in the countryside every month and frequently calls to check on them.
8
他把母亲接到城里同住，以尽孝道。

Tā bǎ mǔqīn jiē dào chéng lǐ tóng zhù, yǐ jìn xiàodào.

He brought his mother to live with him in the city to fulfill his filial duties.
9
孝顺不仅是给予金钱上的支持，更是陪伴和关心。

Xiàoshùn bùjǐn shì jǐyǔ jīnqián shàng de zhīchí, gèng shì péibàn hé guānxīn.

Filial piety is not only about providing financial support, but also about companionship and care.
10
在中国文化中，孝是一种重要的家庭美德，强调尊敬和关爱父母。

Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, xiào shì yī zhǒng zhòngyào de jiātíng měidé, qiángdiào zūnjìng hé guānxīn fùmǔ.

In Chinese culture, filial piety is an important family virtue, emphasizing respect and care for parents.
11
他辞去了高薪工作，只为更好地照顾年迈的父母，表现出深厚的孝心。

Tā cíqù le gāoxīn gōngzuò, zhǐ wèi gèng hǎo de zhàogù niánmài de fùmǔ, biǎoxiàn chū shēnhòu de xiàoxīn.

He quit his high-paying job just to better care for his elderly parents, showing profound filial piety.
12
在节假日期间，他总是回家和父母共度时光，以体现他的孝道。

Zài jiéjiàrì qījiān, tā zǒng shì huí jiā hé fùmǔ gòng dù shíguāng, yǐ tǐxiàn tā de xiàodào.

During holidays, he always goes home to spend time with his parents, reflecting his sense of filial duty.
13
为了尽孝，他每月都会寄钱给住在乡下的父母，还经常打电话问候。

Wèile jìn xiào, tā měi yuè dūhuì jì qián gěi zhù zài xiāngxià de fùmǔ, hái jīngcháng dǎ diànhuà wènhòu.

To fulfill his filial duty, he sends money to his parents living in the countryside every month and frequently calls to check on them.
14
他把母亲接到城里同住，以尽孝道。

Tā bǎ mǔqīn jiē dào chéng lǐ tóng zhù, yǐ jìn xiàodào.

He brought his mother to live with him in the city to fulfill his filial duties.
15
孝顺不仅是给予金钱上的支持，更是陪伴和关心。

Xiàoshùn bùjǐn shì jǐyǔ jīnqián shàng de zhīchí, gèng shì péibàn hé guānxīn.

Filial piety is not only about providing financial support, but also about companionship and care.
16
在中国文化中，孝是一种重要的家庭美德，强调尊敬和关爱父母。

Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, xiào shì yī zhǒng zhòngyào de jiātíng měidé, qiángdiào zūnjìng hé guānxīn fùmǔ.

In Chinese culture, filial piety is an important family virtue, emphasizing respect and care for parents.
17
他辞去了高薪工作，只为更好地照顾年迈的父母，表现出深厚的孝心。

Tā cíqù le gāoxīn gōngzuò, zhǐ wèi gèng hǎo de zhàogù niánmài de fùmǔ, biǎoxiàn chū shēnhòu de xiàoxīn.

He quit his high-paying job just to better care for his elderly parents, showing profound filial piety.
18
在节假日期间，他总是回家和父母共度时光，以体现他的孝道。

Zài jiéjiàrì qījiān, tā zǒng shì huí jiā hé fùmǔ gòng dù shíguāng, yǐ tǐxiàn tā de xiàodào.

During holidays, he always goes home to spend time with his parents, reflecting his sense of filial duty.
19
为了尽孝，他每月都会寄钱给住在乡下的父母，还经常打电话问候。

Wèile jìn xiào, tā měi yuè dūhuì jì qián gěi zhù zài xiāngxià de fùmǔ, hái jīngcháng dǎ diànhuà wènhòu.

To fulfill his filial duty, he sends money to his parents living in the countryside every month and frequently calls to check on them.
20
他把母亲接到城里同住，以尽孝道。

Tā bǎ mǔqīn jiē dào chéng lǐ tóng zhù, yǐ jìn xiàodào.

He brought his mother to live with him in the city to fulfill his filial duties.
21
孝顺不仅是给予金钱上的支持，更是陪伴和关心。

Xiàoshùn bùjǐn shì jǐyǔ jīnqián shàng de zhīchí, gèng shì péibàn hé guānxīn.

Filial piety is not only about providing financial support, but also about companionship and care.
22
在中国文化中，孝是一种重要的家庭美德，强调尊敬和关爱父母。

Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, xiào shì yī zhǒng zhòngyào de jiātíng měidé, qiángdiào zūnjìng hé guānxīn fùmǔ.

In Chinese culture, filial piety is an important family virtue, emphasizing respect and care for parents.
23
他辞去了高薪工作，只为更好地照顾年迈的父母，表现出深厚的孝心。

Tā cíqù le gāoxīn gōngzuò, zhǐ wèi gèng hǎo de zhàogù niánmài de fùmǔ, biǎoxiàn chū shēnhòu de xiàoxīn.

He quit his high-paying job just to better care for his elderly parents, showing profound filial piety.
24
在节假日期间，他总是回家和父母共度时光，以体现他的孝道。

Zài jiéjiàrì qījiān, tā zǒng shì huí jiā hé fùmǔ gòng dù shíguāng, yǐ tǐxiàn tā de xiàodào.

During holidays, he always goes home to spend time with his parents, reflecting his sense of filial duty.
25
为了尽孝，他每月都会寄钱给住在乡下的父母，还经常打电话问候。

Wèile jìn xiào, tā měi yuè dūhuì jì qián gěi zhù zài xiāngxià de fùmǔ, hái jīngcháng dǎ diànhuà wènhòu.

To fulfill his filial duty, he sends money to his parents living in the countryside every month and frequently calls to check on them.
ngmourning apparel12
26
在祖父去世后，全家人都穿上了孝服，表达对他的怀念。

Zài zǔfù qùshì hòu, quán jiā rén dōu chuān shàngle xiàofú, biǎodá duì tā de huáiniàn.

After grandfather passed away, the whole family wore mourning apparel to express their remembrance of him.
27
他在葬礼上身穿素色孝衣，显得格外肃穆。

Tā zài zànglǐ shàng shēn chuān sùsè xiàoyī, xiǎnde géwài sùmù.

He wore plain mourning clothes at the funeral, appearing particularly solemn.
28
传统上，子女在父母去世后必须穿孝，以示哀悼。

Chuántǒng shàng, zǐnǚ zài fùmǔ qùshì hòu bìxū chuān xiào, yǐ shì āidào.

Traditionally, children must wear mourning apparel after their parents' death to show grief.
29
在祖父去世后，全家人都穿上了孝服，表达对他的怀念。

Zài zǔfù qùshì hòu, quán jiā rén dōu chuān shàngle xiàofú, biǎodá duì tā de huáiniàn.

After grandfather passed away, the whole family wore mourning apparel to express their remembrance of him.
30
他在葬礼上身穿素色孝衣，显得格外肃穆。

Tā zài zànglǐ shàng shēn chuān sùsè xiàoyī, xiǎnde géwài sùmù.

He wore plain mourning clothes at the funeral, appearing particularly solemn.
31
传统上，子女在父母去世后必须穿孝，以示哀悼。

Chuántǒng shàng, zǐnǚ zài fùmǔ qùshì hòu bìxū chuān xiào, yǐ shì āidào.

Traditionally, children must wear mourning apparel after their parents' death to show grief.
32
在祖父去世后，全家人都穿上了孝服，表达对他的怀念。

Zài zǔfù qùshì hòu, quán jiā rén dōu chuān shàngle xiàofú, biǎodá duì tā de huáiniàn.

After grandfather passed away, the whole family wore mourning apparel to express their remembrance of him.
33
他在葬礼上身穿素色孝衣，显得格外肃穆。

Tā zài zànglǐ shàng shēn chuān sùsè xiàoyī, xiǎnde géwài sùmù.

He wore plain mourning clothes at the funeral, appearing particularly solemn.
34
传统上，子女在父母去世后必须穿孝，以示哀悼。

Chuántǒng shàng, zǐnǚ zài fùmǔ qùshì hòu bìxū chuān xiào, yǐ shì āidào.

Traditionally, children must wear mourning apparel after their parents' death to show grief.
35
在祖父去世后，全家人都穿上了孝服，表达对他的怀念。

Zài zǔfù qùshì hòu, quán jiā rén dōu chuān shàngle xiàofú, biǎodá duì tā de huáiniàn.

After grandfather passed away, the whole family wore mourning apparel to express their remembrance of him.
36
他在葬礼上身穿素色孝衣，显得格外肃穆。

Tā zài zànglǐ shàng shēn chuān sùsè xiàoyī, xiǎnde géwài sùmù.

He wore plain mourning clothes at the funeral, appearing particularly solemn.
37
传统上，子女在父母去世后必须穿孝，以示哀悼。

Chuántǒng shàng, zǐnǚ zài fùmǔ qùshì hòu bìxū chuān xiào, yǐ shì āidào.

Traditionally, children must wear mourning apparel after their parents' death to show grief.

Word Family of 孝

Compounds12
教jiao1surname Jiao
哮xiao1to cough; to pant; to roar
酵jiao4yeast; to leaven
痚
侾
宯
庨
涍
硣
窙
誟
踍
Words Containing This Character16
孝xiàomourning apparel
孝顺xiàoshùnfilial piety孝順
孝敬xiàojìngto show filial respect
孝子filial son
不孝unfilial
孝心filial piety (a Confucian obligation)
孝道filial piety (Confucian virtue)
戴孝to wear mourning garb
费孝通Fei Xiaotong (1910-2005), Chinese sociologist費孝通
孝感Xiaogan prefecture level city in Hubei
尽孝to do one's filial duty盡孝
朱孝天actor
守孝to observe mourning for one's parents
孝义Xiaoyi county level city in Lüliang 呂梁|吕梁[Lǚ​liáng], Shanxi 山西孝義
明孝陵Ming tombs in Nanjing, tomb of founding Ming emperor Zhu Yuanzhang 朱元璋[Zhū​Yuán​zhāng], a World Heritage site
孝感市Xiaogan prefecture level city in Hubei
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 教 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 孝

In modern society, 孝 still emphasizes respect and care for parents, but it also reflects evolving family structures and values.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 孝?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.